Crime
Fairmount Park mass shooting victims identified as Mikhail Bowers and Amya Devlin
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philadelphia police have identified the two individuals killed during a mass shooting late Monday night at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park.
The victims have been named as Amya Devlin, 23, and Mikhail Bowers, 21. The shooting also left nine others injured, all between the ages of 15 and 28, in what authorities describe as a chaotic and violent scene.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. in the 800 block of Lemon Hill Drive, near the historic Lemon Hill mansion.
According to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, all nine injured victims were transported to area hospitals and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
The hospitals involved in the response include Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Temple University Hospital, and Lankenau Medical Center.
In addition to the shooting victims, one other individual was struck by a vehicle during the ensuing panic and also transported for medical care, police said.
Commissioner Bethel stated the shooting took place as multiple groups of people had gathered in the park, with some beginning to pack up for the night.
The motive remains unclear, and authorities have not yet determined whether the gunfire was exchanged between the groups or initiated by one party.
During a press briefing, Mayor Cherelle Parker revealed that investigators recovered three different types of shell casings at the scene, indicating the presence of at least three shooters.
“I was unfortunately informed that because they found three different types of casings, we know that there were three shooters thus far. So it is not one,” said Mayor Parker.
No arrests have been made, and no firearms have been recovered at this time.
The Philadelphia Police Crime Scene Unit is continuing to analyze evidence, including the shell casings, to determine the number of weapons used and their caliber.
Commissioner Bethel also noted that one of the weapons involved is believed to have been modified with a “switch” device, converting it from semi-automatic to fully automatic. Such a modification, he said, could enable the firearm to discharge up to 17 rounds in less than two seconds.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Philadelphia Police Department as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.